1
as in excitement
something that arouses a strong response from another
a patient man who gets angry only from the greatest of provocations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in incentive
something that arouses action or activity
ready to retaliate at the slightest provocation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of provocation
What follows is an escalating series of provocations, poorly masked as a generous extending of an olive branch.
—
Scott Tobias, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
Trump’s false claims notwithstanding, the war started when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 without any provocation from its neighbor.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
Both groups enhance America's ability to deter Iranian naval provocations and respond to threats, including Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
But is this just provocation for provocation’s sake?
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Scott Tobias, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
Trump’s false claims notwithstanding, the war started when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 without any provocation from its neighbor.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025
Both groups enhance America's ability to deter Iranian naval provocations and respond to threats, including Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
But is this just provocation for provocation’s sake?
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for provocation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for provocation
Noun
-
Obscenity laws, most aggressively enforced by the U.S. Postal Service, attempted to keep that excitement within bounds—no uncovered or obviously aroused penises, no affectionate or suggestive physical contact.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
3 May 2025
-
Everyone joined in and cheered while Rumi jumped around the stage in excitement.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
The Trump administration is also working to undo incentives around clean energy, particularly the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.—
Umair Irfan,
Wired News,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Slate Auto There’s also the issue of federal incentives.—
Abigail Bassett,
ArsTechnica,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But car buyers in 2021 were enjoying low interest rates and federal stimulus checks.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
1 May 2025
-
Beijing has ramped up economic support since late September, but measures so far have not cumulated in the large-scale stimulus that many investors have hoped for.—
Evelyn Cheng,Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The impetus for his ire had everything to do with Minnesota big man Rudy Gobert, who was being chastised by the fan when Edwards decided to step in and take over the exchange.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Union leaders said the impetus for the strike was a string of 44 labor law violations allegedly committed by the county, including retaliation and contracting out work that’s supposed to be done by union members.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
His 56 percent share of on-ice shot attempts offers encouragement, but Lowry needs to find a better way to help. 4.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Howard — a former pro wrestler with his own extensive résumé — has been instrumental in Stark’s journey, offering encouragement and guidance both inside and outside the ring.—
Nasha Smith,
People.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Political, religious, and family motivations divided the cardinals, preventing a majority, during a time when cardinals were not cut off from the outside world.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
3 May 2025
-
Protecting Jane’s legacy and privacy are strong motivations for her sister.—
Kim Campbell,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Provocation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/provocation. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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